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Key Takeaways The Lewis and Clark expedition serves as an example of embracing the unknown, where their preparedness and adaptability led to monumental discoveries beyond their initial mission.
Business leaders should approach the unknown with care and curiosity, without being constrained by rigid roadmaps that can limit innovation and response to change.
Entrepreneurial success demands a balance of deep preparation and the flexibility to pivot when unexpected opportunities or challenges arise, much like the historic expedition.
When Lewis and Clark set out from St. Louis in 1804, their main mission was to chart a water route across the continent and reach the Pacific Ocean. Beyond that, almost everything was uncertain. Existing maps of the American West were mostly blank space, filled only with speculation and hearsay. No one in their party knew what they’d encounter once they left.
In the end, the expedition never found the fabled Northwest Passage. But ultimately, it didn’t matter. Over the course of two years, they cataloged hundreds of species unknown to science, forged relationships with Indigenous tribes and mapped terrain no outsider had ever seen. Their journey didn’t follow a prescribed route, because there was no route — and in that lay its value.
Business is no different. Leaders tend to love roadmaps because they create the illusion of clarity and control. But in uncharted territory, following such a map can be more dangerous than helpful. Imagine if Lewis and Clark had narrowed their goal to finding that water route, blinding themselves to the other wonders and opportunities that filled their expedition. They would have declared the mission a failure instead of bringing back invaluable knowledge that reshaped the nation’s understanding of the West.
My take? Entrepreneurs should treat the unknown in the same way as Lewis and Clark: not as an objective to be conquered, but an opportunity to explore.
Related: What Makes a Great Business Leader, According to a 20-Year Serial Entrepreneur
The explorer mindset
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